Schemes
Lewisham Selective Licensing Scheme started on 1 July 2024
Monday, July 1st, 2024 - Lewisham Council
Date: Monday 1 July 2024
About:Â A new selective licensing scheme came into force in the London Borough of Lewisham on 1 July 2024.Â
The new selective licensing scheme covers sixteen council wards (based on the pre-May 2022 ward boundaries):
- Bellingham
- Brockley
- Catford South
- Crofton Park
- Downham
- Evelyn
- Forest Hill
- Grove Park
- Ladywell
- Lee Green
- Lewisham Central
- New Cross
- Perry Vale
- Rushey Green
- Sydenham
- Whitefoot
Within these areas, a licence application must be submitted for all private rented properties occupied by a single household or two unrelated sharers.
If you are unsure whether your property is within the selective licensing area, you can check using an interactive map on the Council’s website.
HMO licensing
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are already covered by either the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme (5 or more occupants sharing kitchen or washing facilities) or Lewisham Council’s designated borough wide additional HMO licensing for HMOs of 3 to 4 occupants that share kitchen or washing facilities. More information is available on the Council’s website.
When can I apply?
Lewisham Council started to accept licence applications for their new selective licensing scheme on 20 May 2024. You can access their online application system here.
To accompany your licence application, the council have told us you need to provide:
- Electrical Installation Condition Report.
- Gas Safety Certificate (if there are any gas appliances).
- Energy Performance Certificate.
How much does a selective licence application cost?
There is a fixed fee of £640 per property.
The fee is paid in two parts: £160 at the time of application and £480 when the licence is ready to be approved.
There is a 20% early bird discount for all applications submitted by 20 August 2024.
Looking for more information?
You can visit the Council’s website or email PHSE@lewisham.gov.uk.
London Property Licensing has published a free guide with more detailed information about property licensing and HMO planning rules in the London Borough of Lewisham, available here.
